Some call it the most beautiful hotel in Johannesburg; others say it’s the most romantic. Tsogo Sun believes that it is both, and in the 14 years since it opened, the Palazzo hotel at Montecasino has found a special place in the hearts of all who visit this enchanting property. From its luxurious rooms and spectacular gardens, to the architecture reminiscent of Tuscany and the impeccable service delivered seamlessly by its people, the Palazzo experience is a truly magnificent one.
“Celebrating the hotel’s 14th birthday in November 2014 also represents the completion of a R60 million refurbishment project that’s taken just over a year,” explains CEO Marcel von Aulock.
Many of the members of the original development team returned to give the interior of the hotel a fresh new look, while still retaining the theming for which the hotel is so revered.
Under the direction of Development Manager Beverley Wallace and Development Specialist Robyn Campbell with Lo-Ann Abernethy and David Muirhead of David Muirhead & Associates undertaking the interior, the refurbishment of the Palazzo has seen the transformation of 202 rooms and the inclusion of a beautiful new dining area.
“The brief was clear: we needed to keep the essence of the design intent that was created back in 2000,” says Wallace. “We went back to the drawing board to create a design that would have a distinctly Tuscan feel, retaining the Palazzo’s stylish, authentic look. The theming is part of the DNA of the hotel; it’s what gives the hotel its character and ensures the timelessness of the property. David and Lo-Ann interpreted and executed the brief perfectly, with a design, textures, fabrics and colours that complement what we envisaged.”
Rosa, the new restaurant, has been aptly named due to its location overlooking the rose gardens and it is set to enhance the hotel’s food and beverage offering by providing an elegant venue for breakfast and afternoon teas. It will also cater for small events, special occasions and intimate functions.
“The design of Rosa complements the Tuscan architecture and theme of the hotel and is located adjacent to the walkway that leads guests out of the hotel into the Montecasino complex,” says Campbell. “The back wall of the restaurant is an existing stone boundary wall that’s spectacularly clad in ivy, lending a garden feel to the restaurant, with stacking doors opening out onto the garden and tables and chairs in the walkway in typical European café style.”
According to General Manager Robert Jasper, the food and beverage offerings are vital components of the hotel. “It’s the heart and soul of the hotel – the touch-point,” he says. “If you go somewhere and have a good meal you’ll remember it. It’s the touch-point at which the guest unwinds, relaxes, lingers and engages with the property.”
By virtue of its architecture alone, the Palazzo is a unique place. Imposing from a distance, but incredibly warm and welcoming, this landmark Tsogo Sun property is located on a site that, less than two decades ago, was home to cows grazing the land and a golf driving range. Today it transports visitors to another world, boasting among other things, the most exquisite Tuscan gardens.
“Since opening, the Palazzo fulfilled the needs of travellers who wanted to be close to the vibrancy and previously unimagined entertainment options available at Montecasino,” says Wallace.
Fourteen years later, it is still the Palazzo that so delicately stirs the imagination of guests. The hotel serves a wide range of travellers, many of whom value the luxurious escape from the hustle and bustle of the city’s fast pace that it represents. Offering the best of all worlds, on the hotel’s doorstep is Montecasino, offering entertainment of every possible variety, from theatre to retail, dining to cinema, a balloon ride to the Bird Gardens, a casino, festivals, concerts, events – the choices are endless.
For the last three years, the Palazzo has been steered by General Manager Robert Jasper whose calm disposition and focus on service excellence is perfectly suited to both the employees who call it home and to the guests who regularly frequent it. Jasper believes the refurbishment adds the final string to the Palazzo’s already very accomplished bow. With an enviable list of awards including being ‘SA’s Best Luxury Casino Hotel’ in the 2014 World Luxury Hotel Awards, and the uniquely personalised service delivered by every one of the hotel’s 180 employees, the Palazzo is an exceptional hotel in every imaginable way.
Contact
Address: Montecasino Blvd
Tel: +27 11 510 3000
Email: palazzo.reservations@tsogosun.com
Web: www.tsogosun.com
* This article was paid for by client